Family discussions encourage open communication. These conversations help children and teens feel heard and understood, which strengthens trust and emotional security. Family discussions are also a chance to pass on values, address problems early, and guide younger members in making wise decisions.

When you combine family discussions with spiritual devotions it strengthens family bonds. Discussions help families understand one another, while devotions help families grow together in character and values. These practices create a safe space where love, respect, and faith are nurtured, shaping individuals who are emotionally strong, morally grounded, and spiritually aware.

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God’s Rescue Mission – Part 2

5-Day Family Devotional | August 17-21, 2026

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Day 1 – Someone Told You

Romans 10:14–15

"How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?"

Every rescue story begins with someone willing to go.

Imagine a rescue team with helicopters, ropes, equipment, and trained rescuers—but nobody ever leaves the station. The rescue isn't complete until someone goes after the person who is lost.

That's the picture Paul paints in Romans 10. Jesus has already accomplished everything necessary for salvation through His death and resurrection. The rescue is finished.

Now someone has to tell the story.

If you're following Jesus today, it's because someone carried the Gospel to you. Maybe it was a parent, grandparent, pastor, friend, coach, or coworker. Someone loved you enough to tell you about Jesus.

Now God invites you into that same mission.

You don't have to have all the answers. You simply have to be willing to go where God sends you and share the hope you've found in Christ.

Someone was faithful to tell you.

Now it's your turn to tell someone else.

Simple Next Step

Thank God for the person who introduced you to Jesus. Then ask Him to place one person on your heart who needs to hear the Gospel this week.

Family Discussion

• Who first helped you learn about Jesus?
• Why do you think God chooses people—not angels—to share the Gospel?
• Who is one person your family can begin praying for together?
• How can your family be part of God's rescue mission this week?

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Day 2 – Your Story Matters

Read John 20:16–18

The very first person Jesus chose to announce His resurrection wasn't one of the twelve disciples.

It was Mary Magdalene.

She wasn't a preacher.

She wasn't a theologian.

She didn't have a platform.

She simply had a story.

"I have seen the Lord."

That's all she needed.

Sometimes we think we need more Bible knowledge before God can use us. While we should always keep growing, God isn't waiting for you to know everything before He works through you.

People can argue with opinions.

They can debate theology.

But they can't deny what Jesus has done in your life.

Your story is powerful because it's personal.

Your story points people to the Savior who changed it.

Simple Next Step

Write down your testimony in two or three sentences. Practice sharing how Jesus has changed your life.

Family Discussion

• What is one way Jesus has changed your life?
• Why do you think personal stories connect with people?
• How can we naturally share what Jesus has done without sounding forced?
• Who needs to hear your story?

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Day 3 – God Still Uses Imperfect People

Read 2 Corinthians 12:9

One of the enemy's favorite lies is this:

"God could never use someone like you."

Mary had a past.

The Samaritan woman had a past.

Paul had a past.

Moses had excuses.

Gideon had doubts.

Yet God used every one of them.

Your failures don't surprise God. Your weaknesses don't intimidate Him.

In fact, the places where you've experienced God's greatest grace often become the places where your testimony has the greatest impact.

Don't let yesterday keep you from obeying God today.

He isn't looking for perfect people.

He's looking for available people.

Simple Next Step

Ask God to remove one fear or excuse that's keeping you from sharing your faith with others.

Family Discussion

• Why do people often feel unqualified to tell others about Jesus?
• Which Bible character encourages you the most?
• How has God shown you grace in your own life?
• How can God use our weaknesses for His glory?

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Day 4 – Your Testimony Has Power

Read Revelation 12:11

The enemy wants to silence your testimony.

He whispers:

"You're not good enough."

"Look at your past."

"Nobody wants to hear your story."

But Scripture says something completely different.

"They triumphed...by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony."

The blood of Jesus is what saves us.

Our testimony is the evidence that Jesus still saves, restores, forgives, and changes lives today.

Someone around you may never attend church this weekend.

But they will interact with you.

Your story may be the very thing God uses to give someone hope.

If you're unsure how to begin a Gospel conversation or want to better understand what the Bible says about sharing your faith, spend a few minutes asking Ask Ezra. Let God's Word strengthen your confidence as you prepare to share His hope with others.

Simple Next Step

Share one part of your testimony with someone you trust this week—or use Ask Ezra to help you prepare for that conversation.

Family Discussion

• Why is your testimony powerful?
• What lies does the enemy use to keep Christians quiet?
• How does your story point people to Jesus instead of yourself?
• How can our family encourage one another to boldly share our faith?

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Day 5 – You Were Sent

Read Matthew 28:19–20

The Gospel has always moved from one person to another.

Jesus changed someone's life.

They told someone else.

Then that person told someone else.

Eventually...Someone told you.

Now you get to continue the story.

You don't have to stand behind a pulpit.

You don't need a microphone.

You simply need a willing heart.

The people around you don't need a perfect Christian.

They need someone willing to point them to a perfect Savior.

Before this week ends, ask God to open one door for a spiritual conversation. If you need help thinking through what to say or want to study a passage about sharing your faith, use Ask Ezra to dig deeper into God's Word and let it prepare your heart.

God has placed you exactly where you are for a reason.

You were born to carry the message.

Simple Next Step

Pray for one opportunity this week to talk about Jesus—and be ready when God opens the door.

Family Discussion

• Why do you think Jesus sends ordinary people instead of only pastors or missionaries?
• Who has God placed in our lives that needs hope?
• What is one practical way our family can live "sent" this week?
• How can we pray for boldness and compassion together?

God's Rescue Mission...Part 1

5-Day Family Devotional | August 10-14, 2026

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Day 1 — The Rescue Is for Everyone

Romans 10:13 (NIV)

“For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

One of the greatest lies the enemy whispers is, “You’ve gone too far.”

Too many mistakes.

Too much shame.

Too much baggage.

But Romans 10:13 reminds us that God’s invitation isn’t limited to a certain kind of person. It isn’t reserved for people who have everything together. His grace is available to everyone.

The cross didn’t come with an application process.

Jesus already accomplished everything necessary for our rescue.

Our part isn’t earning salvation. It’s surrendering to the One who already paid for it.

Whether you’ve followed Jesus for decades or you’re just beginning your journey, never lose the wonder of this truth:

No one is beyond God’s grace.

Simple Next Step

Spend a few minutes thanking Jesus for rescuing you. Remember where He found you and celebrate the grace He’s shown you.

Family Discussion Questions

1. Have you spent time in your 11:1 or read this week’s Bible Reading Plan? What has God been teaching you?

2. Why do you think people sometimes believe they’re beyond God’s forgiveness?

3. How does knowing God’s invitation is for everyone change the way we see others?

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Day 2 — Surrender Changes Everything

Luke 9:23 (NIV)

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”

Many people believe knowing about Jesus is the same as following Jesus.

But salvation is more than agreeing with facts.

It’s surrender.

Imagine someone caught in deep water. A lifeguard jumps in to rescue them. The rescue only works if the drowning person stops fighting and allows themselves to be saved.

That’s what faith looks like.

We stop trying to rescue ourselves.

We trust the One who already has.

Following Jesus isn’t about becoming good enough.

It’s about admitting we never could be—and receiving the grace only He can give.

Simple Next Step

Open Ask Ezra as a family and ask:

“What does the Bible teach about repentance and surrender?”

Read one passage together and discuss what surrender looks like in everyday life.

Family Discussion Questions

1. What does surrender to Jesus actually look like?

2. Why is it so hard to let go of control?

3. How have you experienced God’s grace when you trusted Him instead of yourself?

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Day 3 — Someone Told You

Romans 10:14 (NIV)

“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?”

Take a moment and think about your own story.

Someone invited you.

Someone prayed for you.

Someone shared the Gospel.

Someone refused to give up on you.

None of us came to Jesus without someone faithfully pointing us toward Him.

Now the question becomes…

Who is waiting for someone to tell them?

People aren’t always rejecting Jesus.

Sometimes they’ve simply never heard the truth about who He really is.

God has placed people in your life that only you can reach.

Simple Next Step

Open Ask Ezra and ask:

“What does the Bible teach about sharing our faith?”

Then write down the name of one person God may be asking you to pray for and encourage this week.

Family Discussion Questions

1. Who first helped you learn about Jesus?

2. Why is it important to remember our own story of faith?

3. Who has God placed in your life that may need to hear about Jesus?

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Day 4 — The Rescue Station Is Open

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Imagine a rescue station with trained workers, lifesaving equipment, and open doors.

Everything is ready.

The only thing left is for the rescue team to go.

That’s the picture of the Church.

Jesus has already won the victory.

The cross is still enough.

The tomb is still empty.

The Gospel still changes lives.

God’s rescue plan isn’t waiting on more power.

It’s waiting on willing people.

You don’t have to know every answer.

You simply need to be available for God to use.

Simple Next Step

Pray for one opportunity today to encourage someone, serve someone, or begin a spiritual conversation.

Family Discussion Questions

1. What does it mean to represent Jesus where you live, work, or go to school?

2. Why do we sometimes hesitate to talk about our faith?

3. What are simple ways we can show people the love of Jesus this week?

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Day 5 — Be the Someone

John 5:7 (NIV)

“Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me…”

Those words are heartbreaking.

“I have no one.”

Today there are people all around us who quietly feel the same way.

No one to pray with them.

No one to encourage them.

No one to point them toward hope.

God has chosen His Church to answer that cry.

We get to be the “someone.”

Not because we’re perfect.

Not because we have all the answers.

But because we’ve experienced the rescue ourselves.

The greatest gift we can offer someone isn’t our opinion.

It’s introducing them to the Savior who changed our lives.

Simple Next Step

As a family, open Ask Ezra and ask:

“What does the Bible teach about being Christ’s ambassador?”

Then pray together for one person by name and ask God to give your family an opportunity to be the “someone” they need this week.

Family Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think God chooses ordinary people to carry His message?

2. Who in your life might be saying, “I have no one,” even if they never say the words out loud?

3. What is one practical way our family can be the hands and feet of Jesus this week?